Coastside State Parks Association

The Coastside State Parks Association (CSPA) funds and supports interpretive programs at state parks in the San Mateo coast. The association contributes more than $30,000 annually for these important programs. Recent accomplishments include:

Funding preparation of a Historic Structures Report, the first step in enabling the restoration of Pigeon Point Light Station.

Keeping Gray Whale Cove State Beach open in the face of budget cuts.

Providing funding for completion of a footbridge to access the rear of Pescadero Marsh.

Collaborating with the California State Park Foundation and State Parks to secure funding for the Año Nuevo Marine Education Center (a $2.8 million project) and the courtyard entrance area.

Coordinating funding for completion of the new interpretive center in the fog signal building at Pigeon Point Light Station.

Assisting with the procurement of a disabled access van to make Año Nuevo accessible to everyone.

Supporting the State Park docent and volunteer programs is one of CSPA’s most significant contributions. Over 300 state park volunteers and staff offer educational and interpretive activities to the park visitors due to this support.

Tours of Pescadero Marsh are especially popular and occur twice a month on the first Sunday of the month at 10 a.m. and on the third Sunday at 1 p.m.

Details: Tours last about two hours. Dress in layers, bring binoculars, water, and wear a hat. Meet the volunteer docents in the middle parking area for Pescadero State Beach on Highway 1. Pescadero State Beach has three parking areas.

DrivingFrom the north: the parking area for marsh walks is immediately south of the bridge, on the right. From the south: the lot is 1/4 mile past the flashing light at Pescadero Road and before reaching the bridge, on your left.

The Coastside State Parks Association has proven itself to be valuable friend of State Parks. For more information about the association and its many activities, or to become a member, please visit the association's website at http://www.CoastsideStateParks.org/.

Information Section

California State Parks has a valuable relationship with more than 80 cooperating associations authorized pursuant to Public Resource Code 513. These non-profit charitable organizations are dedicated to enhancing the educational and interpretive programs in California State Parks. Associations are related to, but independent of the state parks they serve.

Many associations have websites. California State Parks encourages you to visit these websites, however do not guarantee the content, timeliness or accuracy of the materials on these sites.